The Time-Honored Bequest Granted to the Kaaba’s Key Keepers

“Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Bakkah [Makkah] – blessed and a guidance for the worlds.” [Surah Al Imran, 3:96]

The Kaaba is a cube-shaped, marble stone building in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, that epitomizes one of the holiest sites in Islam and therefore, serves as the cynosure for Muslim prayer and rituals. Whether by day or night, the Kaaba is constantly illuminated by ornate lights and it glows beautifully as it is enveloped by the black and gold cloth called the kiswa, which has intricately embellished golden embroidery depicting Quranic verses. Serving as a symbol of Muslim unity, the Kaaba is the central point for the daily prayers, as all Muslims pray towards it worldwide (turning in its direction) five times during the day. Muslims consider it the “House of Allah,” and orienting oneself towards it symbolizes not just universal devotion but also represents the point of convergence for all—regardless of race, nationality, or color. It typifies the unity of humanity under the worship of the One God (Allah), acting as a symbol of tawhid (monotheism). The Kaaba is also the pivotal point of the Hajj pilgrimage (a fundamental pillar of Islam and obligatory once in a lifetime for a Muslim if conditions permit) and of the Umrah rituals (a voluntary lesser pilgrimage) during which millions of Muslims circle the Kaaba seven times in a ritual known as tawaf. According to Islamic tradition, the Kaaba was first built by the Prophet Ibraham (PBUH) and Prophet Ismail (PBUH) to serve as a sanctuary for monotheistic worship. The current structure has been rebuilt many times, necessitated, over time, due to damage from natural events like floods. A large black stone, (Hajr Al Aswad) believed by Muslims to be from Heaven, is embedded in one corner of the Kaaba. What’s Inside the Kaaba?  In pre-Islamic times, the Kaaba was filled with idols, paintings, decorations and other objects representing pagan gods and figures. In this jahiliyya (ignorance) era, there were reportedly 360 idols inside it, including statues of some principal Makkan deities, namely Hubal, Allat, Al-Uzza, and Manat. Today, the interior of the Kaaba is relatively simple, containing three wooden pillars supporting the roof, a marble floor, lamps, and a small cabinet for scented oils used in its annual cleaning and washing. The lamps are suspended from the ceiling and the walls are decorated with Arabic calligraphy. There is also a flight of stairs which leads to the roof to facilitate mounting the roof and cleaning it. The Kaaba Door The door of the Kaaba, known as Bab ar-Rahmah (Door of Mercy), is an iconic and revered artifact, located on the northeastern wall of the structure, roughly 2.22 meters above the ground. Installed in 1979, the current door is made of 280 kg of pure 24-carat gold and silver, inscribed with intricate Quranic calligraphy. The door has advanced technical features that ensure durability and functionality. The door has an exclusive lock and key. It is only opened twice a year for dignitaries. Historical Lineage Regarding the Caretakers of the Kaaba (and the Possession of Its Keys) Since time immemorial, the Kaaba’s key holders have played a pivotal role in the maintenance of the Kaaba. The commencement of the guardianship of the Holy Kaaba had been first initiated and instituted during the time of the Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH), who with his son Ismail (PBUH) was ordered by Allah to raise its foundations. This caretaking included the maintenance and supervision of all matters related to the Holy Kaaba (also known as ‘Al-Musharrafah’/the Noble Kaaba) ranging from its opening and closing, preserving its immaculacy, as well as monitoring its visitors. However, after Prophet Ismail passed away, the sons of Prophet Ismail were coerced to give up the guardianship duties by the tribe of Jurham, who eventually seized these traditional rights from them. Later on, it was forcibly passed over to the tribe of Banu Khuzaah, but its possession was regained by Qusai Bin Kilab Bin Murrah, who was the third great grandfather of the Prophet, a descendent of Ismail, and the first in his tribe to serve as the Kaaba’s caretaker. This established his clan’s elevated status within pre-Islamic Arabian society, where control over the Kaaba represented not just divine favor, but also tribal prestige, and authority over the pilgrimage rites, central to Makkan economy and identity. Subsequently, all matters related to the Kaaba were entrusted to Qusai Bin Kilab. The latter had three sons namely Abd-Al-Dar the eldest, Abd Manaf (great-great grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad) and Abd-Al-Uzza. Abd Manaf was highly honored among the tribes for his wisdom and sound discernment and this prompted Qusai to initially entrust the caretaking of the Kaaba to his son, Abd Manaf. However, shortly before Qusai’s death, as a way of honoring his eldest son Abd-Al-Dar, he entrusted to him all the rights and powers related to the caretaking of the Kaaba. Later, the caretaking of the Kaaba was eventually passed down to Uthman Bin Talha who lived during the Prophet’s (PBUH) times. On the day of victory over the holy city in the eighth year of Hijrah, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) entered Makkah—an occasion eagerly anticipated by the Prophet (PBUH) himself and by all the Muslims. Upon reaching the Haram, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) tied his she-camel outside the mosque. He then proceeded to perform tawaf and kiss the Hajar al-Aswad. Subsequent to the Prophet entering Makkah, many of the people residing there submitted to him and accepted Islam. When the Prophet (PBUH) and the accompanying Muslims wished to enter the Kaaba, they found it locked. Upon inquiring about the keys, they found out it had been entrusted to Uthman Bin Talha. The latter was a non-believer so, upon hearing about the imminent arrival of the Prophet into Makkah, he had locked the door of the Holy Sanctuary. Thereupon, the Prophet ordered Ali Bin Abi Talib to obtain the key from Uthman, but the latter, resisting this intrusion, refused to give it to Ali. Ali then forcibly took the key from him, so that the Prophet could enter the Kaaba. After the Kaaba had been cleansed of idols, (thus symbolizing a ritual shift from polytheism to monotheism), the Prophet (PBUH) entered it with Usamah ibn Zayd and Bilal. They pronounced the takbir in each corner of the Kaaba and then proceeded to perform salah. This Account is Reiterated in Abdullah ibn Umar’s Narration

“Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) entered Makkah through its upper part, and he was riding his she-camel. Usama ibn Zayd was his Companion-rider behind him (on the same she-camel). In his company were Bilal and Uthman ibn Talha, who was one of the al-Hajabah (who kept the key to the door of the Kaaba). When he made his she-camel kneel in the Mosque (at Masjid al-Haram), he ordered Uthman to bring the key of the Kaaba. Then Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) entered the Kaaba along with Usama ibn Zayd, Bilal and Uthman ibn Talha, and he stayed in it for a long period and then came out. The people rushed (to get in) and Abdullah ibn Umar was the first to enter and he found Bilal standing behind the door. Ibn Umar asked Bilal, ‘Where did Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) offer the salah (prayer)?’ Bilal showed him the place where he had offered salah. Abdullah later on said, ‘I forgot to ask Bilal how many units the Prophet (PBUH) offered.’” (Sahih Al Bukhari)

After this, Abbas Bin Abd Al-Muttalib, an uncle of the Prophet, requested that the honor of keeping the key remain with his family. At this opportune moment, Angel Jibreel came down with the following verse, which was revealed inside the Kaaba,

“Indeed, Allah commands you to return trusts to their rightful owners; and when you judge between people, judge with fairness. What a noble commandment from Allah to you! Surely Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.” [Surah An-Nisa, 4:58]

As soon as this verse was revealed, the Prophet (PBUH) ordered Ali to return the key to Uthman Bin Talha. Ali, in obedience to the Prophet’s (PBUH) command, returned the key to Uthman while presenting their apologies for having forcibly taken the key from him earlier. Ali narrated that a verse had been revealed in which Allah had instructed the Prophet to return the trust of the keys to whom it rightfully belonged. Uthman bin Talha was amazed at this turn of events, and subsequently accepted Islam and thenceforth, became a close companion of the Prophet (PBUH). This was how the ancestors of the Shaybah family became the keepers of the keys, because Allah desired it so by stating it categorically in the only verse that was revealed inside the Kaaba. After Uthman ibn Talha passed away, his cousin Shaybah I inherited the key, and since then this esteemed heirloom has remained with generations of the noble Bani Shaybah family until today—a sacred trust, instituted by and handed down by the decree of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Thus, a centuries-old custodianship, (namely, the possession of the keys), has been uniquely bestowed upon the elders and successors of the Bani Shaybah family, and has remained intact with them for over 1,400 years. Therefore, even though the historical succession of the key and caretaking of the Kaaba had passed through multiple hands, the guardianship came back to those upon who Allah wished to bestow the honor. Therefore, to date, the keys which are symbols of immense honor, trust, religious significance and a sacred responsibility have been bequeathed down to descendants of the same family. Significantly, the Prophet’s words were.

“Take it, Oh Bani Talha, eternally up to the Day of Resurrection, and it will not be taken from you unless by an unjust, oppressive tyrant.”

The term khalidah, meaning “eternally or forever”, uttered by the Prophet (PBUH) indicates that the progeny of Uthman ibn Talha will prevail until the Day of Judgement, and they will always have the honor of possessing the Kaaba’s keys. The ruling ordained by the Prophet (PBUH) remains a time-honored tradition towards the Shaybah clan who are its hereditary custodians honored to hold this venerable post till today. Among the descendants of the Banu Shaybah lineage, Sheikh Abdul Wahab bin Zain al-Abidin al-Shaibi serves as the current chief key holder (as of November 2025). He is recognized as the 78th caretaker since the conquest of Makkah and the 110th since the time of Qusayy ibn Kilab. He was appointed to this prestigious post in June 2024 following the death of his esteemed predecessor Saleh bin Zain al-Abidin al-Shaibi, who had been the senior caretaker of the Kaaba since 2013. The ‘Sadin of the Kaaba’/’Sadanah Al Kaaba’ and his Duties The “Sadin of the Kaaba” is an Arabic official term that refers to the hereditary custodian or keeper of the Kaaba’s key, a venerable professional also tasked with the care and management of the Kaaba and its affairs. The keyholders position shows symbolic guardianship, while the keys serve as potent emblems of this authority. The custodianship carries profound symbolic weight, with the keys embodying the fact that the Kaaba is spiritually sacrosanct, while simultaneously bolstering the city’s economic prosperity through pilgrimage-related trade. Initially, the functions of the caretaker were to merely open and lock the door of the Kaaba and to oversee its maintenance, assisting in the washing, the cleaning and supervision of the station of Ibrahim. Today, however, this role encompasses a range of duties, (which still includes opening and closing the structure, done twice a year – in Shabaan and Ramadan), but additionally also involves maintaining its cleanliness with rituals like washing it, as well as being responsible for its upkeep. The House of Allah is cleansed by officials (with a mix of Zamzam water, Taif rose water and Oud oil) annually in Muharram in an elaborate ritual called ‘Ghusul -e -Kaaba’ followed by prayers and tawaf. Other duties also include repairing any damage to its covering, welcoming visitors, and overseeing all related tasks. Moreover, the Sadin is bestowed with the supervision of the blessed task of changing the Kiswa, or restoring any damage occurring to the Kaaba walls or cloth, and repairing the keys. The head caretaker receives the new cladding/covering of the Kaaba on the first of Dhul Hijjah to be installed on the day of Arafat. The ceremonial opening of the doors of the Kaaba is attended by officials, ambassadors, and other special guests of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Royal Court and the Ministry of the Interior and Emergency Forces coordinate with the Sadin to officially welcome any state guests. Significance and Appearance of the Keys  

• The Kaaba keys are considered to be the most valuable in the world because of their connection to Islam’s holiest site.

• The keys are ornate and have inscriptions of Qur’anic verses and testimonials by historical rulers.
• While one key is the official one used for opening the door, numerous other historical keys are preserved in museums around the world, one chief repository of the key being the Top Kapi Palace Museum in Istanbul, where around 50 historic keys are preserved. Over the centuries, the number of Kaaba keys has varied from 40 to 58. Other honorable places that house the keys are the Louvre in Paris and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo, Egypt.

• The “original” Kaaba key is a historical concept, as the lock and key have been replaced and repaired many times throughout history. However, the most famous and historically significant “original” key is a copper key with silver inlay from the Mamluk period (1363 AD), which is now displayed in the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo. The creator of this key was Mamluk Sultan Sha’ban II.
• The key was initially 34 cm long and is inscribed with the Quranic verse,

“It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to prevail over all religions.” [Surah al-Tawbah, 9:33]

• The current lock and key are made of nickel plated with 18-carat gold. Both the key and lock of the Kaaba have undergone numerous changes, replaced by different rulers through the years. Today, the key measures 40cm in length and is stored in an embroidered, silken bag adorned with pure gold decorations. The bag is replaced annually and is crafted in the same factory responsible for creating the Kiswa. It bears an inscription of the following verse,

“Allah commands you [people] to return things entrusted to you to their rightful owners.” [Surah al-Nisa, 4:58]

Conclusion For over sixteen centuries, predating the advent of Islam, the descendants of Qusayy ibn Kilab, the fourth grandfather of the Prophet (PBUH) have thus served in the prestigious position of being the unmitigated owners of the keys of the Kaaba. The esteemed descendants of the Banu Shaybah family of the Quraish tribe, are fortunate to hold the custodianship of the Kaaba in accordance with the command of Allah and the Prophet’s (PBUH) oath and directive issued more than a thousand years ago. The Banu Shaybah have maintained this custodianship uninterrupted through successive eras and conflicts, including the Rashidun and Umayyad caliphates, the Abbasid period, the Ottoman Empire, and into the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, demonstrating unwavering family loyalty. The enduring tradition of the custodianship of the keys to the Kaaba highlight’s themes of forgiveness, honor, trust, and the continuity of sacred duties. It represents a powerful transformation and volte-face from the key keeper’s initial opposition to and subsequent conversion to Islam, and to his lineage becoming staunch pillars of an unprecedented Islamic tradition. It is befitting that this story of the endowment of the noble task of the custodianship of the Kaaba’s keys, entrusted to a small Makkan family reminds us of the shared heritage and bond of all Muslims. The legacy of “Kaaba and its Key Keepers” exhibit not just this family’s unity, steadfastness, and selfless duty toward Allah, but also, more importantly, demonstrates their staunch dedication towards the upkeep of the highly revered and venerated House of Allah, which they will fulfill till the end of times.